The Chinese car brand MG is preparing to launch its new S5 compact electric SUV in Europe this spring, with the Kia EV3 and Skoda Elroq squarely in its sights. The S5, known as the ES5 in China, is designed to replace the smaller MG ZS in the brand’s lineup and will compete in the increasingly popular compact SUV segment.
Built on the same platform as the MG4 compact hatchback, the S5 aims to capitalize on MG’s growing presence in the European market. The MG4 is already MG’s best-selling EV in Europe, with 51,861 units sold last year. Despite a 28 percent dip in sales compared to 2023, the MG4 still ranked as the second best-selling compact EV, trailing only the VW ID3. MG is off to a strong start this year, with overall sales in Europe up 17 percent in January, reaching 19,423 units. This performance made MG the top-selling Chinese brand in Europe, with a 50 percent market share. The brand’s main rival, BYD, also saw substantial growth, with sales increasing by 175 percent to 6,930.
MG has emphasized its commitment to a “competitive” price point for the S5, according to a statement from the brand’s U.K. arm. While specific pricing for the S5 was not announced on March 3, it’s worth noting that the U.K. has not imposed the same tariffs on China-built EVs as the European Union. For comparison, the MG4 currently starts at €24,990 ($26,300) in France.
The Chinese-market ES5 is 4,476 mm long and offers a choice of two battery options: a 49-kWh or a 62-kWh pack. Both use lithium iron phosphate chemistry. The MG4 also offers a longer-range 77-kWh battery with nickel magnesium cobalt chemistry. The longer-range ES5 model is rated at 515 km (320 miles) on China’s CLTC measuring system. As a more high-tech version with the 62-kWh pack increases the range by 10 km with the addition of an active air intake grille. MG said the model range has “ultra-low wind resistance,” citing a drag coefficient of 0.28.
Inside the ES5, there’s a 15.6-inch central touchscreen, along with a smaller screen to display driver information. The model will also offer advanced driver-assistance technology like adaptive cruise control, as well as an electric tailgate. MG in Europe has also promised that the S5 will have “advanced and premium features unique to this model,” without providing further details.
MG is highlighting generous interior space for passenger comfort, with a trunk capacity of 462 liters—comparable to the 470 liters of the Skoda Elroq and 460 liters of the Kia EV3. In January, the Kia EV3 was the second best-selling compact electric SUV in the European market after the larger VW ID4, with 5,863 registrations. Other key competitors in this segment include the BYD Atto 3, which was the segment’s best-seller in 2023, and the Chery Omoda 5.
